Jay-Jay Okocha was a true fan favourite who wowed supporters from every club

A seven-time Nigerian Player of the Year, he’s best remembered, in this country at least, for his time at Bolton Wanderers. He helped save the Lancashire club from relegation and then took them to the final of the League Cup and into Europe after they qualified for the UEFA Cup.

He’s also remembered for a frankly obscene array of tricks that left scores of opposition players crying into their post-match beer.

“I love showing off my skills on the pitch,” he once said. “You can make opposing players look stupid.”

Latest football news

And he's off

LIAN KNG

Kylian Mbappe favourite to be next new Ballon d'Or winner after Messi and Ronaldo

Live Blog

BLUES NEWS

Chelsea transfer news LIVE - Latest updates from Stamford Bridge

Live Blog

UNITED NEWS

Man United transfer news LIVE - Latest updates from Old Trafford

Live Blog

gunners news

Arsenal transfer news LIVE - Latest updates from the Emirates

SCOTS SCRAP

Celtic's Callum McGregor and James McFadden in 'scuffle' after Scotland loss

He also won Goal of the Month in April 2003 for an amazing effort against West Ham where he ran from deep inside his own half, hurdling tackles, before lashing the ball past David James in the Hammers’ goal from 25 yards.

He found an unlikely father figure in Sam Allardyce

You wouldn’t have thought that a talent as gifted and flamboyant as Okocha would have found a natural home at Bolton Wanderers, nor would you have thought that a manager as thoroughly, well, British as Sam Allardyce would have got the best out of him.

Sam Allardyce and Jay-Jay Okocha hit it off immediately despite such contrasting styles

Years later, when he was appointed manager of England, Allardyce recalled his time at Bolton and was quick to sing Okocha’s praises.

He said: “In a multi-national side from all over the world he could speak four different languages, communicate very well with some of the players who couldn't speak quite as good English.”

Like Kevin Nolan.

He loved a free-kick

Or two.

Take the League Cup semi-final first leg against Aston Villa in 2004 when the Nigerian curled in a corker in the first half and then, in the second, scored one of the greatest free-kicks you’re ever likely to see.

The goal - one of two Okocha scored in the game - stunned Allardyce, who later said: "I have been associated with this club for 17 years and I haven't seen anyone better than him here.